This Day in Alaska History-January 21st, 1905
Fairbanks Man Sentenced to 34 Years for Kidnapping, Assault in the First Degree
(Fairbanks, AK) – On January 13, 2026, Martin Hietala, 42, was sentenced to 34 years for the 2018 kidnapping and assault of a woman in a Fairbanks hotel room. On July 15, 2018, Mr. Hietala restrained victim J.B. in a Fairbanks hotel room and repeatedly strangled her, twice to unconsciousness, while he interrogated her about spying […]
This Day in Alaska History-January 5th, 1985
UAF to host New Year’s Eve Sparktacular fireworks display
The University of Alaska Fairbanks will host the Fairbanks Curling Lions’ 36th annual Sparktacular celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Fireworks will be launched from UAF’s West Ridge starting at 8 p.m. The event will also be livestreamed on the UAF Facebook page and YouTube channel. Most UAF buildings, including the UA Museum of the North, will be closed […]